Nothing fancy here, just tried and true, old fashioned, family style recipes from my kitchen in Alaska.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

OLD FASHIONED BANANA SPLITS

It is finally barbecue season!! So, why not finish off your cookout with a good old-fashioned classic banana split, complete with home made toppings? Your family will love them!!

Below you will find the recipes for three excellent ice cream toppings. They last up to a week in the fridge, so go ahead and make them ahead of time.

FUDGE TOPPING

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1 and 2/3 cups white sugar1 and 1/4 cups milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 tablespoons light corn syrupIn a large sauce pan, over medium heat, combine the cocoa, sugar and milk. Bring it to a boil (stirring) and let it boil for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Tastes good warm or cold.STORE IN THE REFRIGERATOR.

FRESH STRAWBERRY TOPPING1 pound ripe strawberries (washed and hulled)1/2 cup white sugar1/4 cup water1 teaspoon vanilla extractChop the strawberries into medium size pieces (I use the food processor) and cook them in a heavy bottomed sauce pan with the water and sugar until it gets nice and thick. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla and chill. STORE IN THE REFRIGERATOR

PRALINE TOPPING (this one is sinfully delicious!!)

1/4 cup butter1 1/4 cups brown sugar (packed)16 large marshmallows2 tablespoons light corn syrupdash of salt1 cup of evaporated (canned) milk1/2 cup toasted pecans1 teaspoon vanilla extractMelt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in the sugar, marshmallows, syrup and salt. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Simmer gently for one minute. Remove from heat and cool for five minutes. Stir in evaporated milk, nuts and vanilla, mix well. This is good warm or cold.STORE IN THE REFRIGERATOR.